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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

I made every book trailer using Adobe PremierePro. If you have any questions about the trailers, or would like me to create a trailer for your book, please contact me at thecompulsivereader@gmail.com or leave a message in the comments. Please feel free to embed these anywhere and spread the word about these great books!

As someone who gets lots of books to review, the following question is inevitable: "HOW?" Well, I'll explain.

First off, disclaimer: I started this book blog because a substitute teacher encouraged me (and a bunch of other students) to let our voices be heard, and recommended blogging. I have always loved books, am very knowledgeable when it comes to YA, and wanted to connect with readers just as passionate as I am about books. And though I had been reviewing for a couple of years, it honestly hadn't occurred to me to review books for the sake of getting them for free until my first author approached me. Back then, I used the library, I bought my own books, I used PaperbackSwap.com, bookmooch.com, and I borrowed books from friends. I got creative.

So as much as I appreciate the many books I've received over the years and acknowledge that yes, it IS exciting to get them, getting the books should NOT be your only motivation for reviewing and blogging. All of my contacts with publishers approached me first--I did not seek them out. As I said in my post of blogging tips, if you are passionate and dedicated when it comes to blogging, you WILL be noticed. It's only been recently that I've asked for books from my contacts and authors, mainly because asking for free things makes me uncomfortable and because I am a bit shy.

But, when I do go about doing it, I don't say, "Hey, I'd really like to review that book, can I get it?" Instead, I approach the person, introduce myself, tell them about my blog, how many unique hits I get in a day, what I blog about, etc., and hope for the best. Basically, you have to be concise and tell that person why you can help sell their book.

And you have to be prepared to be disappointed. Publishers and authors don’t have bottomless pockets. They can’t give books to everyone. You’ll be told no sometimes. Sometimes you’ll be told yes, but it won’t ever happen. Even after two years, there are times when other bloggers get a book I want that I didn’t get, and I feel a little jealous, but that’s just the way it is. Get over it, and go buy it, preferably locally. You’ll be supporting local business AND the publisher and authors.

But when you are told yes, and you do get books, remember your manners! Say thank you (a lot of people don't do this, surprisingly), and try to get to it in a timely manner!

Just remember that there is more to blogging than reviewing the newest release or next month's big book. You can write about a favorite series from five years ago, or trends, or news, or just your opinion and that's still just as much fun. When I was visiting publishers while in New York City, all of the publicists I talked to said they like bloggers with big mouths who talk about everything and anything YA. It shows that you're passionate about the books, and not just someone looking for a free book.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

This is the page of books that I don't have a need for any more and would like to get rid of. I am selling them, and I do ask that you would pay the shipping (USPS, media mail, usually about $2.50, but if your order is large, it might be a dollar more. We can discuss it). I will receive payments through PayPal or money orders. Please email me (thecompulsivereader@gmail.com) if you have any questions or see anything that catches your eye. I will consider trades. Please keep in mind that I operate on a first come, first serve basis!

Geek Abroad by Piper Banks, used paperback, $0.50
Summer of the Geek by Piper Banks, new paperback, $2

Welcome to The Compulsive Reader!

Formerly a YA book blog, TheCompulsiveReader.com is now the personal bookish blog of YA writer Tirzah Price! For more frequent dispatches about books, writing, and general nonsense, check out Book Riot, head over to Twitter or follow TirzahPrice on Litsy!